Thursday, June 7, 2012

Nashville, Baby!

This post marks my return to blogging, after a long hiatus spent writing, working, giving travel presentations and doing the soccer mom thing. On Memorial Day, I traveled with my husband and daughter to Nashville to visit our new grandson, little Jackson. Naturally he is beautiful and sweet…and I’m pretty sure he’s a genius. Here’s a photo of him with his mommy and daddy (my stepdaughter Dani and her husband, Cameron).

Despite the 95 degree temps, we enjoyed a few sights in and around “Music City.” Here’s a few you should check out if you go.

The Opryland Hotel: So much more than a hotel, this one has rooms built around an indoor jungle the size of a football field. You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the beauty, but be aware, parking is about $15 per car. Once inside, you’ll find pathways that wind through waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna, including gorgeous orchids hanging from trees. When you get tired of walking, stop for some gelato and rest on a bench beside a bubbling brook, or take a quiet boat ride along the indoor river. Plenty of shops and cafes, and restaurants complete the package.

Downtown Nashville: Now this you gotta see! Several blocks of bars, shops and restaurants, but all of it done up in that unique Nashville style. Live country music pours from the doorways of each bar, and fun sculptures and statues provide plenty of touristy photo opportunities. As for me…I met Elvis! I knew those rumors of his death weren’t true. See photo for proof.

Pancake Pantry: I’d read on the Internet that it was one of the best eateries in Nashville, if you’re willing to wait in line. Waiting isn’t my thing, but it didn’t take more than 15 minutes before we were seated with a menu boasting 23 varieties of pancakes, among other things. And yes, it lived up to its reputation. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pecan Pancakes, which came with maple-pecan syrup, while my daughter loved her Apricot-Lemon Delight.

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